What Makes a Good Email Subject Line?
What makes a good email subject line?
As the number of emails we receive daily continues to increase, it's more important than ever to write email subject lines that entice recipients to open and respond. Here are seven tips on how to craft a winning email subject line:
1. Keep it brief.
Keep your subject line between 3-7 words, as shorter subject lines tend to perform better than longer ones.
2. Personalize it.
Add the recipient's name or company name to your subject line to make it more personal and grab their attention.
3. Make it interesting.
Use a catchy phrase or question that will spark the recipient's interest and encourage them to open your email.
4. Offer value.
Tell the recipient exactly how your email will benefit them or solve a problem they are currently facing.
5. Create urgency.
Use a deadline or limited time offer in your subject line to create a sense of urgency and encourage people to act quickly.
6. Avoid clickbait.
Avoid using clickbait-style subject lines that may be misleading or over-promising. This can damage your credibility and result in low open rates.
7. Include keywords.
Include specific keywords in your subject line to make sure it stands out in the recipient's inbox and increase the chances of it being opened.
The Best Sales Email Subject Lines
Now that you know what makes a good subject line, let's dive into some of the most effective subject lines we've seen across a range of industries:
Cold Email Subject Lines
Cold emails can be tricky to master, but the right subject line can make all the difference. Here are some of the best cold email subject lines:
1. "Question about [goal]"
2. "[Mutual connection] recommended I get in touch"
3. "Hi [name], [question]?"
4. "Did you get what you were looking for?"
5. [the e.e. cummings subject line]
6. "Hoping to help"
7. "A [benefit] for [prospect's company]"
8. "X tips/ideas for [pain point]"
9. "Idea for [topic the prospect cares about]"
10. "10x [prospect's company]'s traction in 10 minutes"
11. "I found you through [referral name]"
12. "We have [insert fact] in common ..."
13. "So nice to meet you, [Prospect]!"
14. "Feeling [insert emotion]? Let me help"
15. "Hoping you can help."
16. “This is a sales email”
17. "Your yearly [X] target"
18. "[Situation] at [Company]"
19. "Who is in charge of X at [company]?"
20. "Have you tried [restaurant in prospect's town]?"
21. "So, you speak sign language?"
22. "Will cut to the chase"
23. "Might be off-base here, but ..."
24. "If you're struggling with [common pain point], you're not alone"
25. "Can I make your life 20% easier?"
26. "[Name], saw you're focused on [goal]"
27. "Will I see you at [event]?"
28. "Can I help?"
29. "Tired of salespeople who never give up?"
30. "[Name] suggested I reach out"
31. "Contacting you at [Referral]'s suggestion"
32. "[Referral name]"
33. "[Referral name] loves us & thought you might, too"
34. "Fellow [University] grad here!"
Follow-Up Email Subject Lines
Follow-up emails are crucial to keeping the conversation going with prospects who haven't responded. These subject lines can help revive the conversation:
1. "Our next steps"
2. "X options to get started"
3. "You are not alone."
4. "10 mins — [date]?"
5. "A 3-step plan for your busy week"
6. "[Prospect], I thought you might like these blogs"
7. "Here's that info I promised you"
8. "I'd love your feedback on that meeting"
9. “I had this idea since we last spoke”
10. “I thought about what you said”
11. “Don’t tell my boss”
12. “What would it take?”
13. “Here’s what I’ll do”
14. "Talk on [day] at [1:45]?"
15. “[Prospect], I loved your post on [website/publication name]”
16. “Hi [Prospect], we met at [event]”
17. “Still undecided? This might help”
18. “Try [product/service] for free”
Best Email Subject Lines After No Response
When a prospect goes cold, these email subject lines can help reignite the conversation and move things forward:
1. "Do not open this email"
2. "Should I stay or should I go?"
3. "Know this about [topic of interest]?"
4. "Where is the love?"
5. "Permission to close your file?"
6. "Feeling blue? Like baby pandas?"
7. "If you change your mind about partnering with [your company]"
8. "'I love everything in this email!'"
9. "3 weekend ideas for you"
10. "Am I assuming correctly?"
11. "HBO Go password?"
12. “Wait, are you ghosting me?”
13. “Reaching out once more (LMK either way)”
Email Subject Line Examples for Meeting Requests
If you're looking to set up a meeting with a prospect or client, these subject lines can help you get a response:
1. "15 minutes this week?"
2. "Requesting a meeting on [Day]"
3. "Time for a quick touch base?"
4. "Meeting invite: [Date]"
5. "[Company name] + [Company name]: [Date]"
Your Guide to Writing the Best Sales Email Subject Lines
Remember, a good email subject line is the key to getting your message opened and read. By following these guidelines and using some of the examples above, you can craft subject lines that stand out in a crowded inbox and drive sales for your business.